Japanese Market News

It is already well know that 100 yen shops in Japan brought extraordinary changes to the Japanese market these past few years. With the store products mostly being items needed in ordinary everyday life, it was only natural for demand to grow since there is something for everyone for such a low price including household and kitchen goods, office supplies, cosmetics, food, stationary, gardening and pet supplies, toys, souvenirs, etc. Currently there are multiple story mega stores that boast wider selection or others especially popular among women, which place more focus on interior merchandise with good design. However, besides a wider selection of 100 yen stores, now the 100 yen business market is expanding due to deflation, with 100 yen per minute hair salons, standup bars with all 100 yen food and drinks, 100 yen per 15 minute arcades, karaoke, fishing, and 100 yen convenient stores where various food, drink, and household items can be purchased for of course a 100 yen.

Posted by Alisa at 09:20 AM | Permalink

Though Japan is infamous for its today here, tomorrow gone market trends, what stands out most at the moment is what is occurring at the very high end of the business to consumer market. There are currently more persons in this social bracket than before, and they are looking to spend.

Some recent unique and popular services and items include e-shopping for 1 million yen weekend vacation packages, diamond rings, designer, and other luxury goods. Another steady trend is purchasing not only Renoirs and Picassos but Ministry of Finance gold coins at art auctions for investment purposes.

Posted by Alisa at 09:08 AM | Permalink

Following the footsteps of world renowned Harry Winstons and Ferraries, there are new businesses in Japan that are thriving by purposely narrowing down their target market. The success of a 40-years-and-older only bar in Tokyo is a wonderful example, which currently boasts 500 members, a number achieved just by word-of-mouth since it opened in July 2005. The bar owner openly proclaims that he has no interest in widening its target market beyond their strict age range. Having a focused target market was what allowed the bar to maintain its refined atmosphere—the main force that kept customers coming back.

Posted by Alisa at 09:01 AM | Permalink

The baby boomer generation is now ready to spend as they approach retirement. Unlike their parent’s generation, perhaps mainly because more are living longer, a large amount of money is being spent on themselves than saved for their children. One particular area where much of their money is being poured into is in home improvements in preparation for their new hobby filled daily lives. Whether it is to build space for cooking or doll making, reverse mortgage is allowing these baby boomers to make their dreams home come true. As a result, sales for home improvements specifically for kitchens and bathrooms are said to have increased 6 percent in the last three years. Many couples are also converting rooms that used to be their children’s rooms into their own private rooms so each can spend more time alone and focus on hobbies.

Posted by Alisa at 09:47 AM | Permalink